10 Asian Sauces You Need In Your Kitchen

Asian cuisines are renowned for their blend of flavors, so it’s no surprise that one secret to achieving flavorful dishes lies in the selection of the right sauces. From the umami-rich depth of soy sauce to the fiery kick of Sriracha, Asian sauces add a distinct taste to every dish they touch. 

In this blog post, we'll explore ten must-have Asian sauces that will elevate your cooking by adding layers of flavor to your food.

Here at Mike’s Mighty Good, we love to experiment with flavor. That’s why we like to incorporate tons of different sauces and spices from all around the world in our instant ramen recipes. Add flavor to your noodles, broths, meats, and stir-fries with these 10 Asian sauces, plus recipe inspiration for how to use them.

Soy Sauce

Starting with the king of Asian condiments, soy sauce is a staple in nearly every Japanese kitchen. Made from fermented soybeans and wheat, this savory sauce imparts a deep umami flavor to dishes. From stir-fries to sushi, soy sauce enhances the taste of everything it touches and is a must-have for any Asian-inspired meal.

We carry a soy sauce ramen flavor inspired by shoyu ramen, which has a broth made with soy sauce. Add soy sauce to your noodles for an extra hit of salt and umami flavor.

 

 

Teriyaki Sauce

A classic Japanese sauce, teriyaki is a delicious blend of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. This luscious glaze adds a delightful balance of sweet and savory to grilled meats, vegetables, and even tofu. Marinating your favorite ingredients in teriyaki sauce before grilling or baking will result in tender, flavorful dishes.

Try our teriyaki chicken ramen bowl to see just how tasty teriyaki sauce can be as a ramen condiment.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce, also known as Chinese barbecue sauce, is a thick, sweet, and tangy condiment made from soybeans, garlic, chili, and various spices. Hoisin sauce is used in Cantonese food as a dipping sauce and in stir fries, or as a glaze for meat. A key component in familiar dishes like Peking duck and Mu Shu pork, hoisin sauce pairs perfectly with spring rolls, dumplings, and stir-fries. 

Hoisin adds a sweet tanginess to sauces, like in this kung pao shrimp ramen recipe.

Sriracha

If you like a spicy kick in your dishes, look no further than Sriracha. This popular Thai-style hot sauce is made from chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and sugar, creating a mouthwatering blend of heat and flavor. Drizzle it on noodles, add it to your soups, or use it as a dipping sauce to add an extra punch to your meals.

You can really use sriracha on almost anything, and we love topping our noodle bowls with it. Check out this creamy sriracha ramen recipe featuring this amazing condiment.

Fish Sauce

Fish sauce may have a pungent aroma, but don't let that deter you from experiencing its magic. Made from fermented fish, salt, and water, this sauce is a cornerstone of Southeast Asian cuisine, including Thai and Vietnamese food. It lends a unique depth of umami to curries, salads, and stir-fries.

This is one of our top 5 one-step ramen upgrades: just add a dash of fish sauce into your ramen broth to kick up the flavor.

Oyster Sauce

A beloved sauce in Chinese cooking, oyster sauce is made from oyster extracts, soy sauce, and seasonings. It's rich, thick, and packed with umami goodness. Ideal for stir-frying, oyster sauce pairs beautifully with vegetables, chicken, beef, or tofu, creating a glossy finish and a burst of flavor in every bite.

We also love oyster sauce as a dipping sauce, like the one we paired with our mini ramen spring rolls.

Peanut Sauce

Indulge in the nutty and creamy goodness of peanut sauce, a popular condiment found across Southeast Asia. Made from ground peanuts, coconut milk, soy sauce, and spices, this sauce is perfect for satay dishes, fresh spring rolls, or as a delightful dressing for salads.

Want a simple way to elevate your noodles and add an easy protein? Peanut sauce is the answer. Try out this spicy peanut noodles recipe.

Szechuan Sauce

Originating from the Szechuan region in China, this sauce is all about the heat! Made with fiery chili peppers, garlic, and Szechuan peppercorns, it's not for the faint of heart. Use it sparingly to add an electrifying punch to stir-fries, noodles, or as a dipping sauce for dumplings.

Learn more about Sichuan (or Szechuan) pepper in our article about Asian spices.

Sweet Chili Sauce

Strike the perfect balance between sweet and spicy with sweet chili sauce. This versatile condiment can be drizzled over fried foods, used as a glaze for meats, or as a dipping sauce for everything from chicken nuggets to spring rolls. Its delightful harmony of flavors makes it an essential addition to your pantry.

We tried adding sweet chili sauce to chicken wings and it did NOT disappoint. Get the recipe for sweet and sour chicken wing ramen here.

Black Bean Sauce

Made from fermented black beans, garlic, and soy sauce, this savory sauce is a mainstay in Cantonese cuisine. It's a fantastic companion to seafood, particularly steamed fish or stir-fried shrimp, adding an exquisite depth of flavor to your dishes.

Want to try your hand at an easy, no-cook recipe using black bean sauce? These vegan chili black bean noodles require no cooking and no cleanup.

Final Thoughts

Having these ten Asian sauces in your kitchen will open up a world of flavors and elevate your culinary prowess. From the rich creaminess of peanut sauce to the powerful savoriness of fish sauce, each sauce offers a unique taste that will transform your dishes. Experiment with these sauces, mix and match them, and happy cooking!

Looking to stock up on ridiculously awesome instant ramen to pair with your Asian sauces? Shop all our delicious Mike’s Mighty Good craft ramen flavors on our site. Mike’s Mighty Good noodles are steamed, not fried. They're organic, non-GMO, and made with simple ingredients.